The End of WWI: Woodrow Wilson, the
Failure of the US to Ratify the Versailles Treaty and the
Impact on US Foreign Policy
Directions:
See pages 678681 in text as
well as internet
sources if that
helps.
Then look at
each slide
carefully, &
answer question
to the right…use
separate sheet if
you prefer.
Quotes from Woodrow Wilson as the US Enters WWI:
“I will not cry ‘peace’ as long as there is wrong in the
world … America was born to exemplify the
devotion to righteousness which is derived from
the Holy scriptures”
“Our foreign policy must be concerned with human
rights rather than property rights. The force of America
is that of moral principle.”
“America’s mission has always been to realize an ideal
of liberty, provide a model of democracy and moral
principle for the world, uphold the rights of all men …
lead the thinking of the world and promote peace.”
“We must fight a war to end all wars and make the world safe for democracy.”
#1: What do the quotes illustrate about President
Wilson’s reasons for US entry into WWI in 1917?
Wilson
#2: Both cartoon are drawn following the end of World War I during the
Treaty of Versailles negotiations in 1919.
Which of the cartoons demonstrated Wilsons Point of View? Why?
Wilson
#3: Explain why the cartoon would appeal to an “isolationist” audience after WWI.
#4: This cartoon was drawn after
Wilson (WW) returned
from the lengthy
Versailles Treaty
negotiations in 1919.
By the time he returned,
Republicans had
won a majority Congress.
Why is this context
important in understanding the
meaning of the cartoon?
Article X of the League of Nations Covenant
The Members of the league shall undertake to respect and
preserve against external aggression the territorial integrity
and political independence of all Members of the League.
In case of any such aggression or threat of aggression, the
League shall have an obligation to advise how peace shall
be maintained … Any war or threat of war affecting any
member of the League is a concern to the whole League,
the League shall take action to safe guard the peace of
nations … if arbitration by the League in case of aggression
is not successful, military intervention may be necessary
under the control of the League Council.
#5: This controversial section of the Treaty of Versailles illustrates the concept
of “collective security”. Why would Wilson support this concept?
#6: An opponent of Article X, the League of Nations and “collective
security” would agree with the POV of this cartoon. Why?
Wilson on his national speech tour:
This election (1918 presidential
election) is to be a national
referendum … The chief question
that is put to you, of course, is do you
approve of the League of nations as
organized and empowered by that
covenants of that Treaty? Do you
wish to see the United States play its
responsible part in the world?
Our founding fathers thought
America to be the light of the world
and a leader in the assertion of the
rights of peoples and free nations …
This light the opponents of the
League would squelch.
Route of Wilson’s
Pro League of Nations
Speech Tour - 1920
#7: How does Wilson’s
approach to attempting to
gain support for the ratification of
the Treaty of Versailles in 1920
show his “progressivism”?
#8: What do the cartoon and quote tell you about the results of
the Treaty of Versailles ratification debate in the Senate?
Wilson: “I will not
play for position
(compromise) … Let
Lodge (leader of
Senate Republican
opposition)
compromise …
Let Lodge hold out
the olive branch … I
will stand squarely
behind the League
covenants and I can
stand defeat. I cannot
stand to retreat from
conscientious duty”
#9: What does
the graphic reveal
about the
effectiveness of the
Treaty of Versailles
(and League of
Nations)
in maintaining
world peace after
World War I?